Ruto Plays Down Religious Bill Threat, Reassures Pastors On Church Regulation
Following the introduction of the contentious Religious Bill 2024, which is being contested by religious organizations across the country, President William Ruto informed religious groups that they would be entitled to set their own regulations.
Speaking at Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Milimani, Nairobi, the President committed to defend religious freedom, claiming that it is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Land.
“As a government, we respect our Constitution. The preamble of the Constitution of Kenya says God of all creation. That is the beginning of the Constitution of Kenya meaning that we surrender to God,” he stated.
Furthermore, he stated that Kenya will remain a God-fearing nation despite the religious bill mandating the regulation of religious organizations.
President Ruto says government will not regulate religious activities in Kenya pic.twitter.com/KGw7ak0qtV
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) October 6, 2024
“We will make sure that we will not compromise and that there will be no limitations or compromise on freedom of worship in Kenya,” President Ruto asserted.
The President confirmed that certain quotas include ideas for regulating the church, worship, and religious activity.
However, he thought that religious groups should have substantial public input in determining how they desire to be regulated.
“I want to remind those that are pursuing that kind of exercise that the Constitution of Kenya is very explicit on the freedom of worship and there will be no compromise whatsoever,” he affirmed.
Aside from the Constitution, the President stated that he will use any means necessary to safeguard our freedom of worship in Kenya.
“I want to ask those who have ideas to allow religious leaders themselves to develop how they want to be regulated and how religious organisations will go forward.”
ALSO READ:
- Fourth Band Of Kenyan Police Land At JKIA As MSS Mission Officially Ends
- Ruto’s Lies Provokes Tanzania To Fact-Check His Bogus Roads Figures
- KMTC Announces Fresh Guidelines On Student Deferment, Course Change & Transfers
- EMBU: Autopsy Reveals How Hospital Protestors Died, Bullets Recovered
- Top Diplomats Exchange Blows Inside Nairobi Embassy, Investigations Underway
The Religious Organizations Bill 2024, sponsored by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, has been met with opposition from religious groups across the country, who see it as punitive.
According to the measure, religious leaders who produce miracles to extort money from their congregations might face a Ksh5 million fine, ten years in prison, or both.
President Ruto noted that the task committee he created to evaluate the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organizations, chaired by Reverend Mutava Musyimi, made suggestions to allow religious leaders to develop a framework for themselves.
The president reiterated that Kenya’s religious organization will decide how to guarantee freedom of worship without being pushed.
Ruto Plays Down Religious Bill Threat, Reassures Pastors On Church Regulation
